Five more people have tested positive in Northern Ireland, bringing the UK total to 278.

The UK Department of Health is now advising anyone who has returned from the lockdown areas in northern Italy to self-isolate for two weeks, even if they do not have coronavirus symptoms.

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen from 233 on Saturday to 366, officials have said. The 57% increase is the steepest daily rise in fatalities since the outbreak came to light.

Deaths from coronavirus in France rise from 11 to 19. French health officials have confirmed 1,126 cases of coronavirus.

Israel declared on Sunday that it will close its border with Egypt, beginning 5pm local time. The Taba border crossing between Egypt’s Sinai region and the Israeli town of Eilat is a popular crossing point for tourists.

Budget airline easyJet is cancelling flights to parts of northern Italy affected by the coronavirus lockdown.

A spokesperson said: “Following a decree issued by the Italian authorities implementing further restrictions for anyone living in Lombardy and 14 other central and northern provinces in Italy, easyJet in common with a number of other airlines is reviewing its flying programme to Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice and Verona airports for the period from now until April 3 2020.

“In the short term, we will be cancelling a number of flights to and from these destinations on Monday March 9.”

The airline said affected passengers would be informed of cancellations by email and text message.

“Customers on flights scheduled to operate to and from these airports will be given the option of a full refund or to change their flight,” the spokesperson added.

“We expect to continue to reduce the number of flights in and out of Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice and Verona airports in the period up to April 3 and will provide a further update on our schedule in due course.”

The Foreign Office says it is “working intensively” with US authorities to arrange a flight for British nationals on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship, which is due to arrive in Oakland, California, on Monday.

A spokesperson said: “We remain in close contact with the local authorities and will work with them on their plans.

“We are also in contact with the Grand Princess’ staff, and are ready to support any British nationals who need our assistance.”

Third UK death from coronavirus

A man in his 60s, who had underlying health problems, has become the third patient to die after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK.

The man, who died at North Manchester general hospital had recently returned from Italy, NHS England said.

England’s chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty said: “I am very sorry to report that a third patient in England who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died. I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected.

“The patient, who was being treated at the North Manchester General Hospital, was over 60 years old and had significant underlying health conditions.

“They had recently travelled from an affected area. Contact tracing is already under way.”

An inmate died on Sunday after a riot at a prison in Modena that broke out when detainees were informed that the new emergency decree bans visits and contacts between prisoners and their relatives in order to reduce infections.

Other jail riots were also sparked in Salerno and Frosinone when the news of the draft decree banning visits from relatives spread among inmates.

A group of British travellers quarantined on the Grand Princess cruise ship said they have no idea when they will be able to return to the UK.

Although the ship is due to dock in Oakland, California, on Monday, only passengers requiring treatment and state residents will be allowed to disembark.

It is not known what will happen to passengers from other countries.

Justine Griffin, of Leicestershire, was on board with her husband Dave and friends Jan and Allen Duffin, and Sharon and Steve Lane, when it was placed into quarantine.

She told PA news agency: “We won’t be getting off tomorrow as we are at the bottom of the list. First the sick, then Californians, then any other Americans.

“They have no plans for international passengers yet - rumours going round about Texas but nothing concrete yet.”

The couple, who renewed their vows on board for their 25th wedding anniversary, have not been tested for coronavirus but believe they will have to enter quarantine in the UK for two weeks when they return home.